Is there a way to alter backgrounds in DDB?  I like the criminal/spy background for a character but would prefer to swap out thieves tools proficiency for something else. 

is this possible or a custom option I haven’t seen?

On menu at top click Collections. In sub-menu that opens on the right is a Homebrew section. Under there click Create Background.

On next screen click in the drop-down box and select the background you want to change. Then click the Create button (not the Create From Scratch button).

You'll then be able to make changes to the background as you want. Give it a new name. Save.

For your characters ensure the Homebrew toggle is on and you can select your modified background as normal.

When selecting a background, there's a 'custom' option at the top of the list. That lets you choose the following:

• Any two skills
• A choice between any two languages, any two tools, or any skill and any language
• Which existing background feature to use
• Which existing background traits to use

It's also important to note that this is part of the Player's Handbook rules on making a background and as such, shouldn't (in most situations) require DM approval

It's easy to create a custom background in the builder.You pick it the same way you would a premade background and add in the details or use another background to define parts of the custom one.

The problem with using a custom background in the builder is that you won't get starting equipment from it.

Thanks for all the replies. I will give that a try 

Quote from Cyb3rM1nd >>

The problem with using a custom background in the builder is that you won't get starting equipment from it.

 Make the character with a reasonably close background to what your custom background will be and switch it to the custom background after the character is complete. 

Quote from Wtfdndad >>

Quote from Cyb3rM1nd >>

The problem with using a custom background in the builder is that you won't get starting equipment from it.

 Make the character with a reasonably close background to what your custom background will be and switch it to the custom background after the character is complete. 

 
Seems like a lot more work and hassle than just making the homebrew copy - takes less than a minute (like 30 seconds, tops) , easy and no fussing.

But whatever rocks your boat I guess.

If you're looking for some of the alternate features from OotA, HotDQ, or certain other adventures, the only way to get them is to clone a background in homebrew and copy the text from the source under feature, (DO NOT MAKE PUBLIC-this would violate copywrite.)

Buying the adventure unlocks everything in it but alternate features are not backgrounds so the system doesn't recognize them.

The background will change depending on the character's background.